“At the start of the year we never thought we would be World Champions with Michael at the French Grand Prix. So what was important, when Rubens Barrichello couldn’t get going, was to score enough points to keep up our score in the World Championship, because we knew well before the start of this race, that if one of the drivers in second, third or fourth places in the championship then won all the rest of the Grands Prix then Michael would have to score 15 points which seemed for us to be quite realistic, given the start of the season.”

“But in a certain way, the front runners in the race, apart from Ferrari, weren’t the same as usual, which meant that the championship was looking good for us. So what was very exciting was the race itself and the possibility of achieving our goal earlier than expected but in fact today was a bonus given our expectations.”

This win was very emotional, explained Todt. “It was emotional because at a certain moment we devoted ourselves to achieving a particular goal which is characteristic of Ferrari today, and at the moment that the goal is achieved, it’s as though a weight has been taken from our shoulders so it was a great relief that it had been achieved, even if it had been achieved earlier than ever.”

Todt praised what has often been called ‘the Ferrari family. “I think it’s a great asset for us. It’s one of our strengths, and the fact that each member has an important role, one that is respected, is a great motivation.” Michael Schumacher is a member of that family, and he and Michael have a special relationship. “Perhaps the reason we get on so well is because we have both had difficult times together, and difficulties creates stronger relationships than when things go well.”

Todt went on to talk about Fangio and his new champion. “Fangio for me was a legend. I had the privilege of knowing him, to see him several times and meet him in Argentina, in Europe and at his home but for me his was an era in which I wasn’t involved. I wasn’t doing the things that I’m doing now. Michael is someone else. Michael is a part of my professional life, my private life so it’s something different. I don’t think you can compare Fangio, however good he might have been, and Michael - different eras.”

“Michael is just a great driver, he’s driving a fantastic car, he has a fantastic team behind him, he has very good tyres, so all the combination is working together, and all together makes something outstanding. I think it’s very presumptuous to say he is the best; how can we know?”

But what about Michael still surprises Todt, even though they have worked together for so long? “His approach. He never wants to leave something uncovered. His dedication, he is dedicated, whatever happens, he will do it. He’s very realistic, he has a sense of the values of these things, he respects people, he likes to be respected.”

For Todt himself, however, his greatest success is moulding a team. “I don’t think anybody would allow themselves to think that Michael would drive another car than a Ferrari at the moment. I think that’s the best result for me. It’s the best success, to have consolidated very good people together at Ferrari where everybody has a clear responsibility, everyone is going in the same direction, and that is our strength.